First court date for accused coin crooks

Eight suspects accused of stealing money from dozens of vending machines in the Pine Belt made their initial appearance in court Wednesday.

Three women and five men are charged with crimes ranging from commercial burglary to possession of burglary tools. Seven had their bail set between $25,000 and $125,000. Another suspect was denied bond.

Authorities say over several weeks the group stole money from more than 100 vending machines, many owned by Coca-Cola. The crimes happened in Forrest, Perry and Lamar counties.

Authorities say the Coca-Cola bandits could face more charges in other jurisdictions after the tri-county investigation is complete.

Meanwhile investigators are still seeking a ninth suspect, 32-year-old Edward William Freeman of Petal.

Hattiesburg resident Johnie Roberts won a $100,000 payday in a United Way of Southeast Mississippi raffle. (Photo source: WDAM)

Hattiesburg resident Johnie Roberts is the winner of the $100,000 payday. His name was on the card pick by United Way of Southeast Mississippi, President Tracie Fowler. She called him after the drawing at Keg and Barrel in Hattiesburg. Fowler said for the first time in these drawings, the winner answered the phone live on WDAM 7. Roberts said he will use the money to take care of his house, and fix it up. "Oh, I thank the lord. I thank the lord. If it wasn't for him I wo...

Hattiesburg resident Johnie Roberts is the winner of the $100,000 payday. His name was on the card pick by United Way of Southeast Mississippi, President Tracie Fowler. She called him after the drawing at Keg and Barrel in Hattiesburg. Fowler said for the first time in these drawings, the winner answered the phone live on WDAM 7. Roberts said he will use the money to take care of his house, and fix it up. "Oh, I thank the lord. I thank the lord. If it wasn't for him I wo...

Hattiesburg firefighters could soon see a pay raise and a future path for their hard work around the city. (Photo source: WDAM)

Hattiesburg firefighters could soon see a pay raise and a future path for their hard work around the city. Council members are expected to approve a pay scale alignment for the department at Tuesday's meeting at City Hall. "We have always wanted to know where we're at and we're were going, it's always been part of this department," said Interim Fire Chief Stephen Mooney. The pay scale alignment include a $1,500 increase, per position, from the base sa...

Hattiesburg firefighters could soon see a pay raise and a future path for their hard work around the city. Council members are expected to approve a pay scale alignment for the department at Tuesday's meeting at City Hall. "We have always wanted to know where we're at and we're were going, it's always been part of this department," said Interim Fire Chief Stephen Mooney. The pay scale alignment include a $1,500 increase, per position, from the base sa...